Rory McIlroy disclosed that he has been “some way” involved in discussions with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf.
McIlroy, known for being one of the most vocal critics of LIV Golf, had previously stated his opposition to playing in the Saudi Arabian breakaway league. However, he has now softened his stance on the financial support from the state’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) that funds the LIV Golf League.
Following his first round at Wells Fargo where he finished three shots off the lead, tied in second place, McIlroy informed reporters of his conversations with the recently established Transaction Committee, as announced by the PGA Tour in a press release.
HOW THE MEETING WENT
“I’ve already had calls with that group. I had a really good hour and a half Zoom with those guys on Sunday, where we discussed a 150-page document about the future product model and everything,” McIlroy shared.
“Yeah, I’m not on the board, but I’m somehow involved in that Transaction Committee. I don’t have a vote, so I don’t have a significant say in future decisions.
“But I feel like I can contribute on that committee, and that was a compromise for not getting a board seat,” he added.
POLICY BOARD
The PGA Tour announced the election of Joe Gorder, chair and chief executive of Valero, as the inaugural chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises. Additionally, Australian Adam Scott and Tiger Woods are part of the board.
A statement mentioned the formation of specialised committees dedicated to the organization’s strategic priorities, including a Transaction Subcommittee engaged in negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
They revealed that the Strategic Sports Group had invested 1.5 billion dollars (£1.19 billion).
This development follows McIlroy’s decision not to replace Webb Simpson on the PGA Tour policy board as the potential return stirred up “old wounds”.